Practical information
- Location
- Bangkok (Rattanakosin), Bangkok · 13.74639, 100.49361
- Dress code
- Dress politely: long sleeves, trousers or a knee-length skirt; no sleeveless, crop, tight or revealing tops. Take off your shoes before entering the chapel or other buildings. (source: thailand.go.th)
- Period
- Ayutthaya-era origin; rebuilt from 1788 under Rama I
Opening hours and entrance fee: no reliable source found, so not listed. Ask on site or check the official website.
About Wat Pho
Wat Pho lies just south of the Grand Palace and is famous for its huge gilded Reclining Buddha, whose feet are inlaid with mother-of-pearl. The temple is first on the list of royal temples and is one of Bangkok's oldest, with origins before the city became the capital. Its quiet courtyards hold more than a thousand Buddha images, four large chedis for the first Chakri kings and colourful tiled stupas. Wat Pho is also known as a centre of traditional Thai medicine and massage, which you can still try on site.
Highlights
- Reclining Buddha A 46-metre gilded figure with mother-of-pearl soles.
- Four royal chedis Tall tiled stupas dedicated to the early Chakri kings.
- Thai massage school Traditional massage is taught and offered in the temple grounds.
Tips for Wat Pho
- Cover your shoulders and knees and take off your shoes before you enter a temple building.
- Combine your visit with Wat Phra Kaew, about 1 km away as the crow flies.
More photos of Wat Pho
Temple hall with a white chedi in the gardens, Wat Pho Photo: PEAK99 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons
Wat Pho on the map
Pinch to zoom; tap a point for more info. Open circles: approximate location.
Frequently asked questions about Wat Pho
Where is Wat Pho?
Wat Pho is in Bangkok (Rattanakosin), Bangkok province, in central Thailand.
What is Wat Pho known for?
Wat Pho lies just south of the Grand Palace and is famous for its huge gilded Reclining Buddha, whose feet are inlaid with mother-of-pearl. Highlights include Reclining Buddha, Four royal chedis and Thai massage school.
How old is Wat Pho?
Ayutthaya-era origin; rebuilt from 1788 under Rama I.